Dickens Festival Deventer 34th edition
December 12 & 13, 2026
On Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2026, the iconic Dickens Festival will take place in Deventer once again! The 19th-century English city will come to life in all its glory: in the Bergkwartier, over 950 characters from the books of Charles Dickens will come to life. The festival attracts many thousands of visitors from home and abroad.
Tickets cost €7,50. Children aged 7 and under have free admission. Early bird sales start on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Early bird tickets cost €6,00 and are available in limited quantities.
This year, we are working with time slots for the first time to keep queues as short as possible.
More information can be found at tickets.
About the Dickens Festival
Charles Dickens's 19th-century English town is reborn in all its glory in the center of Deventer. In the historic Bergkwartier district, over 950 characters from the English author's famous books come to life every year: from Scrooge to Oliver Twist, from Mr. Pickwick to the Christmas Carol Singers, from orphans to office clerks and posh folk. Deventer Christmas Town welcomes over 125.000 visitors annually, more than half of whom attend the Dickens Festival. Please be aware that there may be a waiting list at the entrance.
The origins of the Dickens Festival
It was in 1991 that Emmy Strik wanted to brighten up her boring shopping Sunday in the cozy month of December. In bed that evening she suddenly thought: it had to be a Dickens in Christmas. That would cheer everyone up. The municipality of Deventer did not like that, so she decided to set it up together with her husband Jan Strik in their own Walstraat. Of course, there is not one like the first edition and a lot has changed in the past 30 years. In conversation with Emmy Strik - Ten Kley about what 'her' Dickens Festijn would have been like in 2021.
(This interview took place before it was decided to cancel the Dickens Festival in 2021)
FAQ
How much does a ticket for the Dickens Festival cost?
Admission to the Dickens Festival is €7,50. The Early Bird tickets for €6 are now sold out. Children aged 7 and under have free admission. Tickets are also available at the door for €9. A service fee of €0,25 applies to online and debit card payments.
Do you also work with time slots or advance sales?
Yes, since this year we have been working with time slots. With this, we are trying to shorten the queue to a maximum of one hour. Time-slot tickets have been available since September 24.
I have lost my ticket, how can I resolve this?
No worries! You can easily retrieve your ticket via FastLane using your payment details. Click on this link to find your ticket and download it again.
Can I sell my ticket if I can no longer attend?
Tickets for the Dickens Festival are only officially available through our ticket shop. If you are unable to attend on the chosen date and wish to resell your ticket, you can do so safely via TicketSwap.
Please note: tickets are sometimes offered via social media (such as Facebook) outside of our ticket shop or TicketSwap. We cannot guarantee the authenticity of these offers, so always buy and sell your tickets through official channels.
What is the best time to visit the Dickens Festival?
This makes no difference, as we work with time slots. The Dickens Festival is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. When purchasing your ticket, you choose a specific time slot, ensuring that visitor numbers are distributed evenly throughout the day. You can therefore choose the time slot that best suits your schedule.
Can I participate in the Dickens Festival in costume?
Are dogs allowed at the Dickens Festival?
We strongly advise against visiting the festival with dogs. Firstly, you have to take into account the queue and in addition, there are other animals, moving objects and (unexpected) sounds in the event area.
Guide and assistance dogs are allowed and you do not have to wait in line. You can report to the entrance gate as described under 'Entrance and queue'.
More information about parking and public transport?
In the city centre, you can park in the Centrumgarage (Op de Keizer 1, behind HEMA, open 24 hours a day), among other places. For more parking spaces around the centre, follow the parking route. It is recommended to come to Deventer by public transport. It is a 3-minute walk from Deventer train and bus station to the centre.
Where should coaches report?
Tour operators can purchase tickets via this link . You will receive all practical information, such as a parking pass, route, and map, two weeks prior to the event.
Where are the charging points for assistive devices?
Do you use an electric wheelchair or other assistive device? You can charge it in the Bergkerk (located in the center of the grounds) if needed. Our staff on site will be happy to assist you.
When will the Dickens Festival take place in 2026?
In 2026 the festival will take place on December 12 and 13.
How can the press register for accreditation?
Media representatives can apply for accreditation online prior to the event. With accreditation, you gain access to the event grounds, receive our press releases first, and we can put you in touch with staff, actors, or participants for interviews, among other benefits. Terms and conditions can be found via this link.
Photos: Sander Korvemaker
The Dickens Festival/Deventer Christmas City
is possible thanks to:
• All residents and entrepreneurs of the Deventer Bergkwartier • All artists, participants, theatre companies and choirs
Tip!
Dickens cabinet
The Dickens Festival isn't until December, but did you know that the Dickens Cabinet is open every Saturday ?
Visit the Charles Dickens Cabinet in the Walstraat and get to know the life and work of Charles Dickens in a permanent exhibition based on the collection of Emmy Strik. You can also book a special tour throughout the year!
